Fr. Vincent Munari sx
MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
The Gospels of the infancy of Jesus were written last, after the Good News of His death and resurrection was proclaimed by those who saw Him risen and ascending to Heaven.
In this light the Gospels of Christmas and linked celebrations must be understood as a further explanation and exemplification of the core message of Jesus, what he came and still comes to tell us.
The Gospel passage the Church reads on the first of January is a good example of all this. The shepherds, the least in importance among the people of Israel, are loved by God with preference and have the privilege to be the first to hear the news of who was and where the Saviour (Jesus) was born.
This was made by special messengers (the angels) that had to calm the fear of these humble people with the usual “do not be afraid”, used many times in both Old and New Testaments; and the good news was for them, not for priests, scribes, doctors of the Law, rich people …
They “hurried” to Bethlehem, a verb used to indicate an immediate response to the will or call of God, like Mary who hurried to Elizabeth, like the fishermen who immediately left everything and became the first disciples and then fishers of men, like Zaccheus who hurried down the tree to enjoy the honour of having Jesus in his house.
When the shepherds reached the place in Bethlehem, the scene in front of them did not appear extraordinary: a simple young family with a new born baby poorly covered and laid to rest in a manger meant for animals. But this is exactly what struck them, and it should strike us: this poverty and simplicity are exactly what was foretold to them, and to us, in order to recognize the presence of Christ Jesus.
The simple small things: poor clothes, a poor shelter for animals are small signs, but if we come across them, do we see a Presence? When we move around as missionaries and see things of this kind, can we recognize the Presence in the poor first?
When the faithful of the church where I exercise my ministry begin to understand this, they will stop being anxious for a new dress at Christmas: Jesus was recognized by the shepherds because he was poorly covered.
And when the whole world will understand this, there will be enough to eat for everyone, there will be no reasons for wars, there will be peace in the families, in the cities and among the nations all over the world.
MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
The Gospels of the infancy of Jesus were written last, after the Good News of His death and resurrection was proclaimed by those who saw Him risen and ascending to Heaven.
In this light the Gospels of Christmas and linked celebrations must be understood as a further explanation and exemplification of the core message of Jesus, what he came and still comes to tell us.
The Gospel passage the Church reads on the first of January is a good example of all this. The shepherds, the least in importance among the people of Israel, are loved by God with preference and have the privilege to be the first to hear the news of who was and where the Saviour (Jesus) was born.
This was made by special messengers (the angels) that had to calm the fear of these humble people with the usual “do not be afraid”, used many times in both Old and New Testaments; and the good news was for them, not for priests, scribes, doctors of the Law, rich people …
They “hurried” to Bethlehem, a verb used to indicate an immediate response to the will or call of God, like Mary who hurried to Elizabeth, like the fishermen who immediately left everything and became the first disciples and then fishers of men, like Zaccheus who hurried down the tree to enjoy the honour of having Jesus in his house.
When the shepherds reached the place in Bethlehem, the scene in front of them did not appear extraordinary: a simple young family with a new born baby poorly covered and laid to rest in a manger meant for animals. But this is exactly what struck them, and it should strike us: this poverty and simplicity are exactly what was foretold to them, and to us, in order to recognize the presence of Christ Jesus.
The simple small things: poor clothes, a poor shelter for animals are small signs, but if we come across them, do we see a Presence? When we move around as missionaries and see things of this kind, can we recognize the Presence in the poor first?
When the faithful of the church where I exercise my ministry begin to understand this, they will stop being anxious for a new dress at Christmas: Jesus was recognized by the shepherds because he was poorly covered.
And when the whole world will understand this, there will be enough to eat for everyone, there will be no reasons for wars, there will be peace in the families, in the cities and among the nations all over the world.